Rotating Utensil Organizer with Accessory Attachment

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a utensil organizer with an accessory attachment. The utensil organizer includes a post having an upper section and a lower section. The upper end of the upper section is connected to an upper plate with defined perimeter edges having a first set of pegs extending outward therefrom. The lower end of the upper section includes a second set of pegs extending outward therefrom. The pegs are configured to hang kitchen utensils thereon. The lower section is attached to a plate connected to a bearing for allowing the post to rotate about a vertical axis. The bearing is further secured to a stationary base member. The upper section and the lower section further include holes for securing the accessory attachment thereon. The accessory attachment includes one or more gaps that can hold various kitchen utensils therein, wherein the kitchen utensils do not include holes for hanging.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/998,816, filed on Jul. 8, 2014, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to an organizing tool. Moreparticularly, the present invention is directed to a kitchen utensilorganizer that can hold multiple utensils simultaneously and that canrotate.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many households have cluttered and disorganized utensil drawers forstoring various kitchen utensils therein. It can be incrediblyfrustrating to spend time looking for specific utensils, especiallyduring cooking While some individuals make an effort to clean andorganize their utensil drawers, the drawers inevitably become messy asnew items are thrown into the drawers over time. Additionally, it can bedifficult to find designated places for oddly shaped tools or uniquetools that may be needed on an infrequent basis.

Various types of storage receptacles for kitchen utensils are known inthe art. These include devices that have been patented and published inpatent application publications. The foregoing is a list of devicesdeemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are hereindescribed for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating theunique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting thedrawbacks existing in the prior art.

Specifically, Cass, U.S. Pat. No. 8,342,341 (Cass '341), Cass, U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0290054 (Cass '054), and Cass,U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/021276 (Cass '276) discloseutensil storage stands having radially extending spokes with supporthooks thereon. The hooks and the spokes are adapted to hold utensilsthereon.

Smith, U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,586, Zahn, U.S. Pat. No. 4,534,471, Donne,U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,080, and Nymark, U.S. Pat. No. 4,884,701 discloserotating racks that include clips, hooks, springs or other engagingmeans extending outwardly therefrom. These devices are adapted to holdvarious items such as stamps, baseball cards, and other items. Thus, theforegoing devices are not adapted to hold kitchen utensils.

Greenfield, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0233816discloses a revolving compartmental storage receptacle. Each of thestorage receptacles is configured to hold a specific item therein. Forinstance, one of the receptacles is configured to hold a bottlebrushtherein. In this regard, the shapes of the storage receptacles vary.

The devices disclosed in the prior art have several known drawbacks,however. The prior art devices are not configured to hold a large numberof utensils of various sizes and shapes, or oddly shaped utensils in anorganized manner. Additionally, the prior art devices generally cannotaccommodate utensil with and without holes for hanging. In this regard,there is a need in the prior art for a device that can organize multiplekitchen utensils on kitchen countertop in a convenient manner whilereducing clutter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the disadvantages inherent in the known types of storagereceptacles for kitchen utensils now present in the prior art, thepresent invention provides an improved utensil organizer wherein thesame can be utilized for storing multiple kitchen utensils thereon.

The following discloses a simplified summary of the specification inorder to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of thespecification. This summary is not an extensive overview of thespecification. It is intended to neither identify key or criticalelements of the specification nor delineate the scope of thespecification. Its sole purpose is to disclose some concepts of thespecification in a simplified form as to prelude to the more detaileddescription that is disclosed later.

In one embodiment, the present invention includes a rotating utensilholder having an upper section and a lower section. The upper section isconnected to an upper plate having a first set of pegs disposed aroundthe perimeter thereof. The upper end of the upper section also comprisesa plurality of holes for securing an accessory attachment therein, and asecond set of pegs disposed around the lower end thereof.

The lower section of the rotating utensil holder also comprises holesfor securing the accessory attachment therein. The lower section issecured to a plate, wherein the plate is directly attached to a bearing.In this way, the lower section and the upper section of the utensilholder can move in a clockwise and a counter clockwise direction. Thebearing is further secured to a base member, wherein the base member isstationary and comprises a plurality of rubber feet thereon.

The present invention further comprises one or more accessoryattachments. The accessory attachment comprises a first leg and a secondleg joined together via a pair of bridging members. The bridging memberscomprise a wave pattern and are connected together via one or moredividers that can move along the length thereof. Because of the wavepattern, the dividers can remain in place when they fall within one ofthe grooves, forming a gap in which kitchen utensils are insertedthrough. The first leg and the second leg of the accessory attachmentare further attached to a first arm and a second arm, respectfully. Thefirst and second arms are configured to snugly fit within the holesdisposed on the upper section and/or the lower section.

Alternatively, users can attach a utensil attachment loop to a terminalend of a handle of a kitchen utensil. The utensil attachment loopcomprises a closed loop portion that is joined to a utensil receivingportion, which is configured to encircle a portion of the handle of thekitchen utensil. The closed loop portion can be threaded through one ofthe pegs disposed on the upper plate and/or the upper section of therotating utensil holder. In this way, the present invention can be usedwith utensils not having holes disposed on a handle thereof.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a utensilorganizer that can store multiple utensils on a counter top in anaccessible and convenient manner.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a utensilorganizer that can store kitchen utensils with or without holes disposedon a handle thereof.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a utensilorganizer comprising an accessory attachment for holding kitchenutensils without holes on a handle thereof.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a utensilorganizer comprising pegs or hooks at various heights to accommodateutensils of various lengths.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a utensilorganizer that can be used with utensil attachment loops so as to allowa user to hang utensils without holes disposed on a handle thereof.

A final object of the present invention to provide a utensil organizerwith an accessory attachment that may be readily fabricated frommaterials that permit relative economy and commensurate with durability.

In the light of the foregoing, these and other objects are accomplishedin accordance of the principles of the present invention, wherein thenovelty of the present invention will become apparent from the followingdetailed description and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention willbe apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description,taken in conjunction with the accompanying exemplary drawings, in whichlike reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the accessory attachment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a close up side elevational view of the accessory attachmentas installed.

FIG. 5 is a view of the present invention in use.

FIG. 6 is a close up view of a utensil attachment loop of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed towards a kitchen utensil organizer.For purposes of clarity, and not by way of limitation, illustrativeviews of the present utensil organizer are described with referencesmade to the above-identified figures. Various modifications obvious toone skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example,instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as“exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the wordexemplary is intended to disclose concepts in a concrete fashion. Asused in this application, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive“or” rather than an exclusive “or.” Additionally, the articles “a” and“an” as used in this application and the appended claims shouldgenerally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwiseor clear from context to be directed to a singular form. It is to beappreciated that determinations or inferences referenced throughout thesubject specification can be practiced through the use of artificialintelligence techniques.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a perspective view and aside elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, respectively. The utensil organizer 100 of the presentinvention comprises a post having an upper section 102 and a lowersection 103. Each of the upper section 102 and the lower section 103comprises a rectangular cross section having a diameter that is uniformover its length, wherein the lengths of the upper section 102 and thelower section 103 are substantially equal.

Preferably, the interior of the post is hollow so as to define anexterior surface and an interior surface thereof. The lower end 113 ofthe upper section 102 directly contacts the upper end 114 of the lowersection 103 so that the lower section 103 is subjacent to the uppersection 102; and the upper section 102 and the lower section 103 are ina stacked configuration. The upper section 102 and the lower section 103are connected via connector strips 118 disposed on the interior surfaceof the upper and lower sections 102, 103. The connector strips align theupper and lower sections 102, 103 and remain secured in place via afastener 121. In some embodiments, the upper section 102 and the lowersection 103 may be unitary in structure.

The upper section 102 comprises a first wall opposite a second wall, anda third wall opposite a fourth wall. The first wall and the second wallof the upper section 102 comprise a width; and the third wall and thefourth wall of the upper section 102 comprise a width. The width of thefirst and second wall of the upper section 102 is longer than the widthof the third and fourth wall of the upper section 103.

Similarly, the lower section 103 comprises a first wall opposite asecond wall, and a third wall opposite a fourth wall. The first wall andthe second wall of the lower section 103 comprise a width; and the thirdwall and the fourth wall of the lower section 103 comprise a width. Thewidth of the first and second wall of the lower section 103 is longerthan the width of the third and fourth wall of the lower section 103. Inone embodiment, each of the walls of the upper and lower section 102,103 may be mitered or joined via other suitable means. It iscontemplated that the first wall and the second wall of the lowersection 103 is subjacent to the first wall and the second wall of theupper section 102, respectively. Additionally, the third and fourthwalls of the lower section 103 are subjacent to the third and fourthwalls of the upper section 102.

The upper end 112 of the upper section 102 is connected to an upperconnecting plate 110 via a rectangular plinth 120. The plinth 102 isdisposed on the interior surface of the upper section 102 and is held inplace via a fastener 121. The upper connecting plate 110 issubstantially rectangular in shape, and includes an upper surface thatis coextensive with a lower surface. The lower surface of the upperconnecting plate 110 directly contacts the upper end 112 of the uppersection 102 and the upper surface of the upper connecting plate 110directly contacts the lower surface of the upper plate 101, wherein theupper plate 101 is also substantially rectangular in shape; and thelower surface of the upper plate 101 is coextensive with the uppersurface of the same. The upper plate 101 is dimensioned so that theperimeter edges 111 of the upper plate 101 extend beyond the perimeteredges of the upper connecting plate 110.

The perimeter edges 111 of the upper plate 101 comprise a first set ofpegs 106 extending outward therefrom, wherein the pegs 106 aresubstantially colinear with the upper plate 101 and perpendicular to thepost. The pegs 106 are separated at regular intervals, and the pegs 106are substantially equal in shape and dimension. In a preferredembodiment, the pegs 106 comprise a cylindrical shape with a circularcross section. In this way, the pegs 106 can extend through holesdisposed on kitchen utensil handles for hanging. It is contemplated thatthe pegs are secured to the perimeter edges 111 of the upper plate 101via press fit.

The upper section 102 further comprises a first set of holes 109 biasedtoward the upper end 112 thereof. The holes 109 are separated at regularintervals and are adapted to secure accessory attachments therein. Theholes 109 are disposed on each of the walls of the upper section 102.The lower end 113 of the upper section 102 comprises a second set ofpegs 107 extending outward therefrom. The second set of pegs 107 aresubstantially equal in dimension and size as the first set of pegs 108.The pegs 107 are separated at regular intervals and extend from each ofthe walls of the upper section 102.

The lower section 103 comprises a second set of holes 108 on asubstantial mid portion thereof. The holes 108 are adapted to secureaccessory attachments therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the holes108 are in a rectangular configuration on each wall of the lower section103. The lower end 115 of the lower section 103 is connected to a lowerconnecting plate 104 via a plinth 119. Similar to the plinth 120 on theupper section 102, the plinth 119 is disposed on the interior surface ofthe lower section 103. The plinth 119 is secured in place via a fastener121, such as a screw or a nail.

The lower connecting plate 104 is substantially rectangular in shapewith an upper surface that is coextensive with a lower surface thereof.The lower surface of the lower connecting plate 104 is attached to abearing 117, wherein the bearing 117 allows for the upper plate 101, theupper connecting plate 110, the upper section 102, the lower section103, and the lower connecting plate 104 to rotate in unison about avertical axis in clockwise and counter clockwise directions with respectto the base member 105. The bearing 117 sits within the lower surface ofthe lower connecting plate 104. In this regard, the lower connectingplate 104 may comprise a groove for receiving the bearing 117 partiallytherein. In one embodiment, the bearing 117 comprises a Lazy Susanbearing.

The bearing 117 is further connected to the base member 105. The basemember 105 comprises a rectangular shape with an upper surface that iscoextensive with a lower surface thereof. The base member 105 isdimensioned so that the perimeter edges of the base member 105 extendbeyond the perimeter edges of the lower connecting plate 104. The basemember 105 remains stationary while the remaining components of theutensil organizer 100 rotate. The lower surface of the base member 105includes a rubber pads 116 thereon, wherein the rubber pads 116 aredisposed on each corner of the lower surface of the base member 105 soas to form a rectangular configuration. It is contemplated that therubber pads 116 are secured to the lower surface of the base member 105via adhesives.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, there is shown a perspective view and aside elevational view of the accessory attachment. The accessoryattachment 300 comprises a first leg 305 and a second leg 306, whereineach of the legs 305, 306 comprises a first section that isperpendicular to a second section, forming an L-shape when viewed fromthe top. The legs 305, 306 are disposed so that the first section andthe second section of the legs are parallel with a horizontal axis. Thefirst leg 305 and the second leg 306 are connected together via a pairof bridging members.

The bridging members comprise a distal bridging member 303 and aproximal bridging member 304. The distal bridging member 303 is disposedat terminal ends of each of the first sections of the first leg 305 andthe second leg 306. The proximal bridging member 304 is located short ofthe second section of the first leg 305 and the second leg 306. Thebridging members 303, 304 are parallel to each other and substantiallyparallel to the second section of the first leg 305 and the second leg306. Additionally, the bridging members 303, 304 are substantiallycoplanar to the first leg 305 and the second leg 306.

The proximal bridging member 304 and the distal bridging member 305 areconnected via one or more dividers. In the illustrated embodiment, theaccessory attachment 300 comprises three dividers. Each of the dividerscomprises a bar 301 having a closed loop 302 at each of the terminalends thereof. The closed loop 302 comprises a centrally located opening,wherein the opening is configured to receive a portion of the bridgingmembers 303, 304 therethrough. In this way, the dividers can move alongthe length of the bridging members 303, 304 and can move closer to orfurther away from the first leg 305 and the second leg 306; whereby thedividers create one or more gaps through which utensils are inserted,and the gaps can be adjusted in size. Because each of the bridgingmembers 303, 304 comprise a wavy pattern, the divider remains in placewhen it is placed in one of the grooves disposed along the bridgemembers 303, 304.

The accessory attachment 300 is attached to the utensil organizer viapress fit. Each of the first leg 305 and the second leg 306 is connectedto an arm. Each arm comprises a first section that is perpendicular to asecond section, forming an L-shape when viewed from the side. The firstsection is substantially parallel with the vertical axis while thesecond section is substantially parallel with the horizontal axis. Thefirst section 309 of the first arm is connected to the second section ofthe first leg 305. The first section 310 of the second arm is connectedto the second section of the second leg 306.

In the illustrated embodiment, two accessory attachments 300 are securedto the lower section 103 in a stacked orientation. While only oneaccessory attachment 300 may be used, a second accessory attachment 300helps stabilize the utensil held therein by limiting the mobility of theutensil. The second sections 307, 308 of the arms are inserted into twoof the upper holes 108 disposed on the lower section 103. It iscontemplated that the holes 108 are dimensioned so that the secondsections 307, 308 fit snugly therein, preventing the accessoryattachment 300 from falling out without need for additional fasteners.When installed, the second sections 309, 310 of the arms are flushagainst the exterior surface of the lower section 103 and the first leg305 and the second leg 306 extend perpendicularly outward from the lowersection 103. Because the proximal bridging member 304 is short of thesecond section of the legs 305, 306, the closed loop 302 closest to thelower section 103 can move without hitting the wall of the lower section103.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a view of the present inventionin use. The present invention may be used to organize utensils with orwithout holes disposed on a handle thereof. For instance, theillustrated embodiment shows a spatula 500 having a hole 503 disposed ona handle portion thereof. The hole is threaded through one of the pegs106 disposed on the upper plate.

If a utensil does not comprise a hole or means to attach to one of thepegs 106, the utensil can be attached to the utensil holder in one oftwo ways. First, a utensil can be held within the accessory attachment300. In the illustrated embodiment, a whisk 501 is secured within a gapcreated between two or more dividers. Because the diameter of the gap issmaller than the diameter of the cross section of the upper portion ofthe whisk 501, the whisk does not pass completely therethrough. In thisway, the handle 502 of the whisk 501 is inserted through the gap fromthe top until the whisk 501 is held in place.

Alternatively, the utensil can be held via a utensil attachment loop 504of the present invention, as depicted in FIG. 6. The attachment loop 504comprises a closed loop 507 having an opening for receiving a peg 106therethrough. The closed loop 507 is attached to a utensil receivingportion 508 via a joint 510. The utensil receiving portion 508 includesan open lower end 509 that is configured to encircle the handle portionof a utensil. In the illustrated embodiment, the utensil attachment loop504 is attached to a terminal end of a handle 505 of a ladle 506. Thehandle 505 of the ladle 506 is inserted through the lower end 509 of theattachment loop 504 so that a portion of the handle 505 of the ladle 506is held within the utensil receiving portion 508. Because the utensilattachment loop 504 is composed of a resilient material such as rubber,the handle 505 of the ladle 506 fits snugly within the utensil receivingportion 508. In some embodiments, the utensil receiving portion 508 canbe stretched to accommodate various handle sizes.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown anddescribed in what is considered to be the most practical and preferredembodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be madewithin the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications willoccur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the abovedescription then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensionalrelationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations inform, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemedreadily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and allequivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings anddescribed in the specification are intended to be encompassed by thepresent invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

1. A utensil organizer, comprising: a post having an upper section and alower section, each of said upper section and said lower section havingan upper end and a lower end; said upper end of said upper sectionconnected to an upper plate with defined perimeter edges; a first set ofpegs extending outward from said perimeter edges of said upper plate; asecond set of pegs extending outward from said lower end of said uppersection; said first set of pegs and said second set of pegs configuredto hang kitchen utensils thereon; a lower plate having an upper surfacethat is coextensive with a lower surface; said upper surface of saidlower plate connected to said lower end of said lower section; saidlower surface of said lower plate connected to a bearing that is securedto a stationary base member; and said bearing allowing said post torotate in counter clockwise and clockwise directions about a verticalaxis with respect to said base member.
 2. The utensil organizer of claim1, further comprising a plurality of rubber pads on a lower surface ofsaid base member.
 3. The utensil organizer of claim 1, wherein said postcomprises a rectangular cross section.
 4. The utensil organizer of claim1, further comprising a first set of holes on said upper section,wherein said first set of holes is biased toward said upper end of saidupper section.
 5. The utensil organizer of claim 4, further comprisingan accessory attachment; said accessory attachment comprising a firstL-shaped arm connected to a first L-shaped leg and a second L-shaped armconnected to a second L-shaped leg; a pair of bridging membersconnecting said first L-shaped leg and said second L-shaped leg; one ormore dividers connecting said pair of bridging members, whereby said oneor more dividers can move along said pair of bridging members, creatinggaps through which said kitchen utensils are inserted; said firstL-shaped arm and said second L-shaped arm inserted into two of saidfirst set of holes.
 6. The utensil organizer of claim 5, wherein saidone or more dividers comprise a bar having a closed loop at terminalends thereof; said closed loop configured to receive a portion of saidpair of bridging members therethrough.
 7. The utensil organizer of claim5, wherein said pair of bridging members comprise a wave pattern.
 8. Theutensil organizer of claim 1, further comprising a second set of holeson said lower section, wherein said second set of holes is atsubstantial midpoint of said lower section.
 9. The utensil organizer ofclaim 8, wherein said second set of holes is in a rectangularconfiguration.
 10. The utensil organizer of claim 8, said accessoryattachment comprising a first L-shaped arm connected to a first L-shapedleg and a second L-shaped arm connected to a second L-shaped leg; a pairof bridging members connecting said first L-shaped leg and said secondL-shaped leg; one or more dividers connecting said pair of bridgingmembers, whereby said one or more dividers can move along said pair ofbridging members, creating gaps through which said kitchen utensils areinserted; said first L-shaped arm and said second L-shaped arm insertedinto two of said second set of holes.
 11. The utensil organizer of claim10, wherein said one or more dividers comprise a bar having a closedloop at terminal ends thereof; said closed loop configured to receive aportion of said pair of bridging members therethrough.
 12. The utensilorganizer of claim 10, wherein said pair of bridging members comprise awave pattern.
 13. The utensil organizer of claim 1, further comprising autensil attachment loop; said utensil attachment loop having a closedloop attached to a utensil receiving portion; said closed loop having anopening for receiving one of said first set of pegs or one of saidsecond set of pegs therethrough; said utensil receiving portion havingan open lower end that is configured to encircle a portion of a handleof a utensil.
 14. A utensil organizer, comprising: a post having anupper section and a lower section, each of said upper section and saidlower section having an upper end and a lower end; said upper end ofsaid upper section connected to an upper plate with defined perimeteredges; a first set of pegs extending outward from said perimeter edgesof said upper plate; a second set of pegs extending outward from saidlower end of said upper section; said first set of pegs and said secondset of pegs configured to hang kitchen utensils thereon; a first set ofholes on said upper section; a second set of holes on said lowersection; a lower plate having an upper surface that is coextensive witha lower surface; said upper surface of said lower plate connected tosaid lower end of said lower section; said lower surface of said lowerplate connected to a bearing that is secured to a stationary basemember; said bearing allowing said post to rotate in counter clockwiseand clockwise directions about a vertical axis with respect to said basemember; an accessory attachment comprising a first L-shaped armconnected to a first L-shaped leg and a second L-shaped arm connected toa second L-shaped leg; a pair of bridging members connecting said firstL-shaped leg and said second L-shaped leg; one or more dividersconnecting said pair of bridging members, whereby said one or moredividers can move along said pair of bridging members, creating gapsthrough which said kitchen utensils are inserted; said first L-shapedarm and said second L-shaped arm inserted into two of said first set ofholes or two of said second set of holes.
 15. The utensil organizer ofclaim 14, wherein said first set of holes is biased toward said upperend of said upper section.
 16. The utensil organizer of claim 14,wherein said second set of holes is at substantial midpoint of saidlower section; and further wherein said second set of holes is in arectangular configuration.
 17. The utensil organizer of claim 14,wherein said one or more dividers comprise a bar having a closed loop atterminal ends thereof; said closed loop configured to receive a portionof said pair of bridging members therethrough.
 18. The utensil organizerof claim 14, wherein said pair of bridging members comprise a wavepattern.
 19. The utensil organizer of claim 14, further comprising autensil attachment loop; said utensil attachment loop having a closedloop attached to a utensil receiving portion; said closed loop having anopening for receiving one of said first set of pegs or one of saidsecond set of pegs therethrough; said utensil receiving portion havingan open lower end that is configured to encircle a portion of a handleof a utensil.